KUALA LUMPUR – The Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark and Stong Geopark have been certified as National Geoparks under the Geopark Development Programme.
The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry (KeTSA) said that the certification was made on November 14 during a National Geopark Committee Meeting.
The acknowledgement is an achievement by the country, especially state and local authorities, in preserving the environment and sustainable management of areas with significant geological value.
“The ministry is confident that the close partnership can ensure the Geoparks are managed well and welcomes any form of cooperation that has a geological importance for the purpose of scientific research, education, local economic generation and sustainable development,” the ministry said.
The effort was in line with the National Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, under the United Nations.
Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark is 1,129.55 sq km in size and filled with various geological wonders including the longest quartz formation in Southeast Asia, mountainous landscape and a number of inland basins.
Stong Geopark is 2,131.99 sq km in size and has a wide range of geological diversity (25 geosites), biological diversity (seven biosites), with local cultures (16 cultural sites) and artefacts dating back from 1,000 to 5,000 years ago being discovered there.
This is seventh and eighth conferment of the national geopark status, after Kinta Valley and Lenggong Geopark in Perak; Jerai Geopark in Kedah; Kinabalu Geopark in Sabah; Labuan Geopark in Labuan; and Sarawak Delta Geopark in Sarawak. – Bernama, November 16, 2022
